HOUSTON - Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, the daughter of Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale, died Saturday. She was 23 years old.

McHale took a leave of absence from the team earlier this month to be with his family for an undisclosed matter in Minneapolis.

According to the Houston Chronicle, "Sasha" McHale had long battled lupus, an auto-immune disease, and had been hospitalized with a related condition.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon," said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander in a statement on Sunday. "Kevin and Lynn are loving and dedicated parents who will need our continued support throughout this very difficult time. Our entire organization is mourning the McHale family's loss and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor released the following statement on Sunday:

"On behalf of the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization, we are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Sasha. While Kevin was with our organization, we all watched Sasha grow up, and become an outstanding young woman. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Lynn and the entire McHale family."

Kevin McHale left the Rockets Nov. 10 and there was no timetable for his return.

Kelvin Sampson has been handling the head coaching duties in McHale's absence.

McHale coached the Timberwolves for parts of the 2004-05 and 2008-09 seasons.